Dynamite Downloads

The Dark Side of Downloading

If you've ever used the popular file-sharing program Kazaa, you probably know that copies of its downloaded client software contained code that would have enabled the program to take over your PC's processor and storage space on your hard drive for a planned distributed-computing network.

Many downloaded programs contain elements that can be harmful to your PC. Fortunately, you can take a few measures to protect yourself and ensure that the programs you download aren't performing tasks you're unaware of.

Adware and spyware are the two most widespread insidious elements that a download can contain. Adware--which installs itself on your PC during the download process--puts links and ads on Web pages that you visit, without your knowledge or consent. Spyware monitors your system information and your Web browsing patterns, and then uses your Internet connection to send that information to advertisers.

According to Jason Catlett, president of Junkbusters, there is no easy way to determine whether a program contains adware or spyware. He cautions against trusting any program. "Remember that once a program starts running on your PC, it can do anything with anything on your computer. You wouldn't give the keys to your house to a stranger," he says.

To defend yourself against potential problems with a download, Catlett advises taking the following steps:

• Check whether the download is listed on Spychecker.com, a site with a database of over 1000 freeware and shareware programs that contain spyware or adware.
  
  
• Investigate software packages before downloading them. Examine professional reviews of download programs, and peruse user testimonials.
  
  
• Use Lavasoft's Ad-aware, a freeware utility that scans your system's Registry and hard drive for spyware components.
  
  
• Consider using Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm, a free firewall program that will notify you if a program starts "phoning home" or attempts to send outbound information back to an advertiser over your Internet connection.
  
  
• Uninstall a program if you suspect it of being malicious. Most programs include an uninstall feature; look for it in the file description or the program's feature list.
  
  

--Kalpana Narayanamurthi